The Best of Venice: San Marco Highlights & Gondola Ride
Overview
San Marco is the beating heart of Venice — rich in history, art, and stunning views. On this private tour, your local host will take you on a journey through the city’s highlights: the Basilica di San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and the Piazza San Marco.
But there’s more to San Marco than its famous sights. Your host will share personal stories, lesser-known corners, and tips you won’t find in any guidebook. Along the way, you'll also enjoy a classic gondola ride through the canals — a must-do Venetian experience!
(Please note: the gondola ride is not included in the price and needs to be paid in cash on the day — your host will help arrange it.)
Want to grab a bite or a coffee? Your host knows just the right place to pause and recharge. And if you’d like to tweak the route or focus on a specific interest, your host will gladly tailor the experience to you.
Whether you're here for the big sights or the local feel, this tour blends both for a truly memorable Venetian adventure.
What's Included
- CO2 Neutral: all tours carbon emissions are offset
- Private guide
- Entrance tickets to landmarks are not included
- Hotel pick-up & drop off
- Gondola Ride - Guests must pay upfront to the host
Meeting Location
Piazza San Marco
57, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Doge's Palace
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Piazza San Marco
40 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Basilica di San Marco
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Gondola Danieli (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Private tour: only you & your local guide
- CO2 Neutral: all tours carbon emissions are offset
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: Will I get seasick on The Best of Venice: San Marco Highlights & Gondola Ride?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-24380P718
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 25 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
- CO2 Neutral: all tours carbon emissions are offset.
- Private guide.
- Entrance tickets to landmarks are not included.
- Hotel pick-up & drop off.
- Gondola Ride - Guests must pay upfront to the host.
The minimum age to participate is 1. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the The Best of Venice: San Marco Highlights & Gondola Ride is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for The Best of Venice: San Marco Highlights & Gondola Ride will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- CO2 Neutral: all tours carbon emissions are offset
- Private guide
- Entrance tickets to landmarks are not included
- Hotel pick-up & drop off
- Gondola Ride - Guests must pay upfront to the host
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Private tour: only you & your local guide
- CO2 Neutral: all tours carbon emissions are offset
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
